The outpouring of emotion and concern following last Monday’s tragic loss of nine firefighters here has prompted the city’s hospitality community to take action. Businesses large and small across the city have joined together for what’s being billed as the largest fundraiser in Lowcountry history to benefit the families of the nine firefighters killed in last week’s Sofa Super Store fire.
The event, Dine for the Charleston Nine, will take place on July 8th from 6:30 to 9:30pm in the Grand Ballroom of the Charleston Place Hotel.
The evening will feature tastings from more than 40 local restaurants accompanied by wine, beer and other beverages from local distributors. Music will be provided by Quentin Baxter and Cool Ferguson, a member of Taj Mahal’s band, who is flying in from Austin, Texas for the event.
There will also be silent and live auctions, with all proceeds raised going to the families.
“These were our neighbors, after all, and the tragedy that befell them wasn’t just a tragedy for their nine families… it was a tragedy for all of us, the collective that is Charleston,” said Mickey Bakst organizer of the event and general manager of the hotel’s Charleston Grill.
Although the event was initially limited to 1,000 tickets, Bakst said based on the response he’s already experienced, he now expects between 1,200 to 1,400 will attend. He said local companies are also being asked to purchase tables and to donate those seats to firefighters who might otherwise not be able to afford to attend.
The benefit committee is also reaching out to some very high-powered celebrity talent to aid the firefighters’ families. Bakst said he’s been actively pursuing former Beatle Paul McCartney, whose father was a fireman, to elicit his support, and that he’s been in touch with the Denis Leary Foundation about its playing a role in the benefit.
The foundation is already accepting donations for the city of Charleston firefighters at www.learyfirefighters.org/donations_new.html
Reservations for the Charleston Place benefit can be made by calling Table Maestro at (843) 329-4918.
This is event is a foodie’s dream. Having personally eaten at most of the restaurants participating, I can tell you you’re in for a real treat. So open up those pocket books and come and attend what is sure to be the culinary event of the year. I can’t think of a better way to feed your soul.
Dine For the Charleston Nine
“We Will Never Forget”
Sunday, July 8
6:30 to 9:30 pm
Charleston Place Grand Ballroom
- Donation: $150 per ticket
- Dress: Casual
- Reservations: Table Maestro (843) 329-4918
- Make checks payable to: CP Firefighters Restaurant Fund
- Bank Sponsor: Wachovia
- Entertainment: Quentin Baxter and Cool John Ferguson
- Live and silent auction, to donate contact Mickey Bakst (843) 810-5960
Featured Restaurants:
Anson
Al Di La
High Cotton
SNOB
The Village Post House
Blossom
Cypress
Magnolias
Fig
Sienna
Carolina’s
The Boathouse
Red Drum
The Mustard Seed
McCrady’s
The Woodlands
The Ocean Room at the
Sanctuary
Vosey’s at Cassique
Circa 1886
Cru Café
Charleston Grill
Palmetto Café
Oak Steakhouse
Hanks
Mercato
Peninsula Grill
Tristan
Muse
Fish
Cordavi
Langdon’s
Grill 225
Avondale Wine & Cheese
Sublime Lime
Cupcake
Rue de Jean
Taco Boy
Blend
Coco’s Café
Featured Wine Distributors
Ben Arnold
Southern Wine & Spirits
Coastal
Advintage
Grassroots
Grapevine
Aleph
Bell Distributors
Carolina Wine Source
Crompton Kennedy Fine Wine
National
Chavon Distributors
Palmetto Distributors
100% of proceeds to benefit the families of the Charleston Nine
Comments (0)Subscribe to CommentsComment